The Highland (Scottish Gaelic: Bò Ghàidhealach; Scots: Hielan coo) is a Scottish breed of rustic beef cattle. It originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Western Islands of Scotland and has long horns and a long shaggy coat. It is a hardy breed, able to withstand the intemperate conditions in the region. The first herd-book dates from 1885; two types – a smaller island type, usually black, and a larger mainland type, usually dun – were registered as a single breed. It is reared primarily for beef, and has been exported to several other countries.

Thistles, admired for their ability to thrive in harsh environments and withstand adverse conditions, have come to embody resilience and strength in various cultural contexts.

As viewed from the iconic Empire State Building’s 86th floor observatory the equally iconic triangular shape of the Flatiron building at the intersections of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. When this building was built in 1902 by the George A. Fuller Company of Chicago designed by Chicago's Daniel Burnham it was officially tagged as the Fuller Building but its name was changed to Flatiron reflecting its shape and the name of the area which went by Flat Iron prior to its construction. This significant intersection marked the northern terminus of what was referred to as ‘Ladies’ Mile’ which was at the turn of the 19th Century among the most important and prominent shopping districts in Manhattan, thus why the Fuller Company chose its location. A 21 story steel frame skyscraper with white terra-cotta cladding, it has been dwarfed by neighbors the New York Life Tower and the MetLife Tower but its unique shape, it’s primo location have made it one of New York City’s most beloved and photographed icons and the neighborhood where it resides now is known as the Flatiron District.

Believe it or not, when it was finished, there was an observation deck about the perimeter of the roof that can be seen in this image which was closed as other buildings soon surpassed the building’s 21 story height. So there was a lot speculation when the building was completed that it’s narrow design and extreme (for the time) height would make the building unable to withstand strong winds. The building was mocked and given the name Burnham’s Folly after architect Daniel Burnham. Time has vindicated Mr. Burnham’s design as it has withstood and prevailed. The shape of the building does have an effect of wind currents, specifically creating a downdraft by the downdraught effect which essentially causes the wind to increase as it reaches the base of the Flatiron. Much to delight of young gents when the building first opened, the wind gusts often lifted ladies skirts exposing their ankles (let’s remember we’re talking 1902).

Captured on Olympus E-5 with a Olympus Zuiko 12-60MM F 2.9-4.0 SWD lens, hand held (tripods are not allowed on Empire State Building Observation unless you get a permit), processed in Photomatix, edited in Abobe Photoshop Elements and cleaned up in Adobe Lightroom.

www.flatirondistrict.nyc/

Depuis mai 2015, la municipalité de Tielt-Winge -Belgium, dans le Brabant flamand, est un lieu qui témoigne de la singularité de l'architecture de paysage. Une structure fascinante qui atténue la distinction entre une tour et un escalier flotte au-dessus du célèbre Kabouterbos ( forêt de conte de fées) et attire la curiosité de nombreux résidents et passants de Tielt. Le volume fascinant de l’acier est revêtu d’acier inoxydable de haut en bas.

Les exigences du cahier des charges reflétaient cet objectif: la nouvelle tour devait être entièrement construite en métal, mesurer au moins dix mètres de haut, comporter un abri et résister à toute forme de vandalisme.

Au lieu d'une construction classique avec un escalier en colimaçon, le designer a conçu un volume suspendu sans trop de fioritures décoratives. Le «Vlooybergtoren», comme on l'appelle, mesure 11, 28 mètres de haut (la plate-forme supérieure déborde de 10, 08 mètres + mur de rambarde de 1, 20 mètre) et est construit sur une sous-structure galvanisée revêtue d'acier patiné, une allusion subtile au typique brun-rouge. couleur de la pierre de fer dans la région de Hageland. Au total, l’imposante tour d’escalier ne pèse pas moins de treize tonnes.

Selon les propres mots du concepteur, la modélisation de la tour Vlooyberg était «une guerre contre son propre poids». Pour s'assurer que la structure serait suffisamment solide et ne s'affaisserait pas, il calculait manuellement les forces agissant sur chaque élément. Ses conclusions ont donné à la tour d'escalier sa forme et ses dimensions ultimes. La structure évolue de grande, lourde et forte, à petite, légère et mince. Le mur de garde-corps fonctionne comme une poutre structurelle qui confère à la structure en acier une solidité et une stabilité suffisantes pour résister aux forces agissant sur elle. Deux amortisseurs de vibrations garantissent que la tour d'escalier ne commence pas à vibrer sous le pied.

La structure a été entièrement préfabriquée et assemblée sur le site section par section. En fin de compte, l'installation n'a duré qu'une demi-journée. En tant que monument à forte valeur iconique, la tour Vlooyberg met en valeur, au sens propre et figuré, le profil de la belle région autour de Tielt-Winge. Les habitants de Tielt, les passants fortunés et les amateurs d'architecture moderne apprécient énormément ce monument fascinant.

Since May 2015, the municipality of Tielt-Winge -Belgium, in Flemish Brabant, has been a place that bears witness to the uniqueness of landscape architecture. A fascinating structure that softens the distinction between a tower and a staircase floats above the famous Kabouterbos (fairytale forest) and attracts the curiosity of many residents and passers-by of Tielt. The fascinating volume of the steel is coated with stainless steel from top to bottom.

The specifications reflected this objective: the new tower had to be constructed entirely of metal, be at least ten meters high, include a shelter and be resistant to all forms of vandalism.

Instead of a classic construction with a spiral staircase, the designer designed a suspended volume without too many decorative frills. The "Vlooybergtoren", as it is called, is 11.28 meters high (the upper platform overhangs 10.08 meters + guardrail wall of 1.20 meters) and is built on a coated galvanized substructure. of patinated steel, a subtle allusion to the typical brown-red. color of the iron stone in the Hageland region. In total, the imposing staircase tower weighs no less than thirteen tons.

In the designer's own words, the modeling of the Vlooyberg Tower was "a war against its own weight". To ensure that the structure would be strong enough and not sag, he would manually calculate the forces acting on each element. His findings gave the staircase tower its ultimate shape and dimensions. The structure evolves from big, heavy and strong, to small, light and thin. The guardrail wall functions as a structural beam which gives the steel structure sufficient strength and stability to withstand the forces acting on it. Two vibration dampers ensure that the stair tower does not start to vibrate underfoot.

The structure was completely prefabricated and assembled on site section by section. In the end, the installation only took half a day. As a monument of high iconic value, the Vlooyberg Tower highlights, literally and figuratively, the profile of the beautiful region around Tielt-Winge. Tielt residents, wealthy passers-by and lovers of modern architecture greatly appreciate this fascinating monument.

I photographed it like this so you really see the intricate structure. From my garden.

Rich, dark blue centres of this dainty lacecap variety of the popular shrub are encircled by paler finish white large florets, the two together show each other off in spectacular fashion.

Hydrangea serrata also has dramatic green-bronze leaves which turn to darker shades of red and purple during the autumn, helping to add yet further interest to your garden.

Hardy enough to withstand our winter weather but compact enough to also be grown in a container, these hydrangeas are well worth adding to your garden.

Hydrangea, the name, comes from the Greek words 'hydro' or water, and 'angeion' or vase = water vase, they prefer a lot of water.

In French and Flemish: Hortense, Hortensia, like the female name!

IMG_3114

Swainsona Formosa - The floral emblem of South Australia - it occurs in arid regions, often after heavy rainfalls and can withstand the extremes of temperatures of inland deserts.

The display units at the 2021 Galesburg Railroad Days sit at the depot in downtown Galesburg. This year, they consisted of BNSF SD40-2 "Snoot" 1905 (former Santa Fe) and Burlington Northern TEBC6 54 (built from a former CB&Q SD7). These units were chosen for their lack of PTC equipment, and as of June 2021, the Galeburg team has been extremely short on PTC power, so these were the only units that could be spared. In the 15 years that I have attended Railroad Days, these have been the best BNSF units displayed since the pre-BNSF "Golden Era." (The one-off special visit of Milwaukee Road 261 in 2002 or 2003, the 2014 & 2015 visit of Kloke Locomotive Works 4-4-0 Leviathan, and the 2015 Amtrak Exhibit Train not withstanding.)

Special props to the BNSF shop crews who arranged for this display. This year's Railroad Days was hastily thrown together in a matter of 5 or 6 weeks, having not been planned for due to the global Covid pandemic. That the event happened at all is a miracle.

Photographed the White Rugosa Rose with a Orange-belted Bumblebee gathering pollen at the Watershed Truck Rest Area off of King's Highway 144 located in Northeastern Ontario Canada

Tolerant of many conditions and incredibly cold hardy, this rose can withstand salt, poor soil, and wind. White Rugosa Rose produces white flowers that are attractive and pure white with a papery texture.

#YBS24Nature

©Copyright Notice

This photograph and all those within my photostream are protected by copyright. The photos may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written permission.

Nine Elms, London. Architect: KieranTimberlake. The design was inspired by European castles and it even has a moat around it.

Solar panels on the roof measure 8,300 square metres and generate over 345,000 kWh of energy. Rainwater is collected and recycled to flush toilets and irrigate the many internal gardens, while a ground-source heat pump provides further renewable energy. Solar sails around the façade act as shading in the summer. The windows are made of an elaborate layer of laminates and are six inches thick and able to withstand any terrorists bomb.

Donald Trump blasted the new London embassy as too expensive and poorly located, and wrongly blamed Barack Obama. He refused to attend the opening ceremony and cut the ribbon in 2018.

I was at Seacliff State Beach surveying the damages of its pier from the storm that had happened in early January. As you can see, the section of the pier leading to SS Palo Alto has already dissppeared. The front hull of SS Palo Alto has capsized, but I think this might have happened before the storm hit. Fortunately, the weight of its concrete structure prevented it from drifting away. Can you believe this ship wreck is approaching a hundred years old in another 7 years? There were talks about rebuilding the pier including the one in Capitola. But I think the authorities need to rethink about a better engineered structure to withstand any future storm. Daly City has a concrete pier. Though it doesn't look quite as appealing as wooden piers like this one, it survives.

Lens: Leica Summicron-M 35mm F2 Asph

They have whithstood the winter, they have endured wind and snow, they are still alive... And the spring is coming soon.

Hippophae produces orange-yellow berries, which have been used over centuries as food, traditional medicine, and skin treatment in Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine, and northern Europe, which are its origin regions. It is an exceptionally hardy plant able to withstand winter temperatures as low as −43 °C. Because Hippophae develops an aggressive and extensive root system, it is planted to inhibit soil erosion and is used in land reclamation for its nitrogen fixing properties, wildlife habitat, and soil enrichment.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippophae

Canon PowerShot G10

Taken on July, 2010

The Cardinal was withstanding the latest ice storm to hit the Memphis area. Photographed in the backyard area in East Memphis.

Member of Nature’s Spirit

Good Stewards of Nature

© 2023 - All Rights Reserved

Mullion Harbour, located on the west coast of the Lizard peninsula, has been withstanding the Atlantic waves since the 1890s, when it was built by Lord Robartes of Lanhydrock House near Bodmin, in an attempt to create a commercial port. The harbour did not function well for larger vessels but it did work well to shelter the local fishing fleet. Today it provides a haven for a few commercial fishing boats, outdoor activity providers, recreational boats and a dozen seafront properties.

It is believed that Mullion Cove’s net loft was built in the late 1770s. This was at around the same time that the pilchard fishing industry was beginning to expand. In 1783 the fishermen of the cove applied to the Robartes family, to develop the cove into an inshore pilchard fishery.

Fishermen would come from the villages on the east coast of the Lizard, such as St Keverne and Cadgwith, to fish the seine boats from Mullion Cove. These villages are only a quick drive away today, but in the 18th Century it would have been a huge trek. Therefore, the fishermen would sleep on top of the nets in the net loft. This explains why the building has a chimney. The inglenook fireplace facilitated cooking and provided warmth.

The net loft remained as an extensively used functional building for over 100 years, until the pilchard industry came to an end in the latter part of the 19th Century. Not that long after the harbour walls were constructed, and although the building was not demolished, it was reduced in size to make way for the harbour development.

The net loft is still in use today as a store for fishing equipment and gained Grade 11 Listed status in 1984.

Adapted from:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/mullion-cove/our-...

www.downthecove.com/net-loft-mullion-cove

For this moment I had planned some long exposure shots. At the 11th hour, it was too windy with strong gusts. All three legs of my innocent tripod were weak like mine, and were unable to withstand for some stable shot. It was a hard luck, but I tried my best to make some hand-held photos. Above is one of them.

It's always been like this here. The old stone roads hold for centuries, and the new asphalt crumbles with the first rain. The bridges of Ancient Rome withstand sudden floods, and the modern ones are swept away, along with their people and belongings.

The Highland is a Scottish breed of rustic cattle. It originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland and has long horns and a long shaggy coat. It is a hardy breed, bred to withstand the intemperate conditions in the region.

Highland cattle descend from the Hamitic Longhorn, which were brought to Britain by Neolithic farmers in the second millennium BC, as the cattle migrated northwards through Africa and Europe. Highland cattle were historically of great importance to the economy, with the cattle being raised for meat primarily and sold in England.

The 1885 herd book describes two distinct types of Highland cattle. One was the West Highland, or Kyloe, originating and living mostly in the Outer Hebrides, which had harsher conditions. These cattle tended to be smaller, to have black coats and, due to their more rugged environment, to have long hair. These cattle were named due to the practice of relocating them. The kyles are narrow straits of water, and the cattle were driven across them to get to market.

The other type was the mainland; these tended to be larger because their pastures provided richer nutrients. They came in a range of colours, most frequently dun or red.[6] These types have now been crossbred so that there is no distinct difference.

Since the early 20th century, breeding stock has been exported to many parts of the world, especially Australia and North America.

It is estimated that there are now around 15,000 Highland cattle in the United Kingdom.

Photography by Doug Harrop • Essay by Mark W. Hemphill

In 1969, Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad’s Director of Unit Train Operations J.E. Timberlake developed a scheme to convert coking coal transportation to U.S. Steel’s Geneva Works north of Provo, Utah, from carload to unit train. Geneva Works was then consuming 1.9 million tons of coking coal annually, delivered from three different mines: U.S. Steel’s Geneva Mine, on the Carbon County Railway via Columbia Jct. on Rio Grande’s Sunnyside Branch, 128 rail miles from Geneva (including CBC’s 6 miles); U.S. Steel’s Somerset Mine, on Rio Grande’s North Fork Branch east of Grand Junction, Colorado; 351 rail miles from Geneva; and Mid-Continent Coal & Coke’s Dutch Creek Mine, loading at Carbondale, Colorado, on Rio Grande’s Aspen Branch, 362 miles from Geneva. Coal from Somerset and Geneva Mine made an intermediate stop at U.S. Steel’s coal wash plant at Wash, Utah, 95.8 miles from Geneva, where the coal was unloaded, washed, blended, and reloaded. Mid-Continent ran a wash plant at its Carbondale loadout and moved direct to the Geneva Works.

Three unit train symbol pairs handled the movement:

734, empties from Geneva to Columbia Jct., and 735, loads from Columbia Jct. to Geneva, 48 cars between Columbia Jct. and Wash, and 40 cars between Wash to Geneva, with two SD45s. The “shrinkage” in cars was because approximately 17 percent of the raw coal from the mine was dirt, shale, and sulfur, which was washed out and sent to the wash plant’s tailings ponds. 735s loaded Monday through Friday.

782, empties from Geneva to Somerset, and 783, loads from Somerset to Geneva, 48 cars between Somerset and Wash, and 40 cars between Wash to Geneva, with two SD45s. The “shrinkage” in cars was similarly due to the wash plant reduction. 783s loaded Monday through Friday.

798, empties from Geneva to Carbondale, and 799, loads from Carbondale to Geneva; 70 cars nominal, with three SD45s. 799s loaded Saturday only.

The operation was necessarily complex because it was required to mirror the production and labor schedules and the facility capacities at U.S. Steel’s and Mid-Continent’s coal mines, the coal wash, and the steel mill. It had to withstand the scrutiny of the Interstate Commerce Commission, which flyspecked unit train contracts, had to comply with Rio Grande’s labor agreements without creating exorbitant differentials and arbitraries, and not the least, had to efficiently utilize Rio Grande’s coal hoppers and locomotives.

These unit trains were small by post-deregulation standards, though this was very common in the early unit-train era, when few shippers or receivers could accommodate long trains. Coal mines, wash plants, steel mills, power plants, sugar factories, cement plants … all had been designed and constructed in the loose-car era with the expectation that railroad service was provided daily or at least every weekday. In every 24-hour period, what was delivered empty was loaded, what was delivered loaded was emptied. To accommodate longer unit trains at coal mines required construction of storage facilities to retain enough of each day’s production to fill an entire train every second or third day, and at least one track long enough to accommodate an entire train. The same applied at steel mills, power plants, wash plants, and other coal-consuming facilities, except now provision had to be made to rapidly empty and stack, store, and reclaim the small mountain of coal empties from a single train. Eventually that happened but not overnight; small trains were the norm for nearly two decades for most existing coal receivers and mines after the ICC finally gave the go-ahead for unit coal trains, in 1958 (the first was on the Baltimore & Ohio).

Doug Harrop’s wonderful photograph shows Rio Grande’s U.S. Steel unit train 733, operated weekdays from Columbia Jct., Utah, to Wash, with an average of 48 hoppers of raw coal, and from Wash to Geneva with an average of 40 cars of washed coal. Typically empty 732 left Helper at 9:05 am with 2 SD45s and 48 Rio Grande 100-ton empties. It dropped these at Wash and picked up between 39 and 57 70-ton Carbon County Railway empties. Upon arrival at Columbia Jct. at 11:30 am, the CBC interchange on the Sunnyside Branch, the 732 swapped the empties for 39 to 57 CBC loads, and became the 733. Departing Columbia Jct. at 2:00 pm, it dropped the CBC loads at Wash and picked up nominally 40 loads of washed coal, now in Rio Grande 100-ton hoppers. At arrival back at Helper at 4:55 pm, the 733 recrewed and picked up a two-unit helper, and departed for Geneva at 6:00 pm. It arrived Geneva at 9:30 pm, dropped its loads and picked up empties, became the 732, and was back in Helper at 1:00 am. Its road power helped the U.S. Steel 783 loads up to Soldier Summit, returning in time to take Tuesday’s 732 to Wash and Columbia Jct.

Doug photograph of the 733 on April 19, 1977, west of Kyune on the “flat track” above the 2.40 percent helper grade in Price River Canyon. It illustrates that Timberlake’s operating plan had been modified somewhat. His careful apportionment of locomotives and cars had been abused by realities of mines, steel mill, and railroad. Locomotive and car utilization had declined. The SD45s were no longer assigned. Coal power on the Rio Grande by the late 1970s was typically a mix of SD40T-2s, SD45s, and GP40s, without discrimination because good locomotive utilization was much more important than perfection of a plan. Typically one more road locomotives was now used because the two-unit trains, even with helper, were a little too slow climbing Soldier Summit. On the rear of the 733 is a two-unit GP40 helper enthusiastically adding speed to the 733 above the 2.40 percent. It cut off at Soldier Summit.

Rio Grande painted yellow lower corners on its system hoppers assigned to U.S. Steel, and green on the lower corners of system hoppers it assigned to Kaiser Steel.

Nothing can withstand the ocean. It is patient and persistent. Sooner or later, it will go over you, under you, or through you.

This rock reminds me of a fallen tree lying in the forest, continuing to support all surrounding life, and slowly giving itself back to the forest in a beautiful surrender. The wise old rock has already journeyed through many eons.

Every so often, big waves come surging in. I’m standing well back from the edge of a crumbly cliff, apprehensive, watching the deafening turmoil below. The sea is going wild and baring her big white teeth. Only seagulls can frolic here.

Until today, I had not known about this particular arch. It’s somewhat hidden. I found it by following some footprints that made me curious. When I unexpectedly laid eyes on it, I think that for a moment, like in some kind of dream, I stepped into an experiential echo. The same awe I felt on discovering this arch has been repeating itself through countless generations of human coastal dwellers.

The Highland is a Scottish breed of rustic cattle. It originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland and has long horns and a long shaggy coat. It is a hardy breed, bred to withstand the intemperate conditions in the region.

Highland cattle descend from the Hamitic Longhorn, which were brought to Britain by Neolithic farmers in the second millennium BC, as the cattle migrated northwards through Africa and Europe. Highland cattle were historically of great importance to the economy, with the cattle being raised for meat primarily and sold in England.

The 1885 herd book describes two distinct types of Highland cattle. One was the West Highland, or Kyloe, originating and living mostly in the Outer Hebrides, which had harsher conditions. These cattle tended to be smaller, to have black coats and, due to their more rugged environment, to have long hair. These cattle were named due to the practice of relocating them. The kyles are narrow straits of water, and the cattle were driven across them to get to market.

The other type was the mainland; these tended to be larger because their pastures provided richer nutrients. They came in a range of colours, most frequently dun or red.[6] These types have now been crossbred so that there is no distinct difference.

Since the early 20th century, breeding stock has been exported to many parts of the world, especially Australia and North America.

It is estimated that there are now around 15,000 Highland cattle in the United Kingdom.

Chester Castle October 2017 Origins

William the Conqueror ordered the original Norman castle to be built here in 1069-1070 when Chester became the last Saxon burgh to fall during his subjugation of northern England. After the Saxons surrendered their city a large motte-and-bailey castle was built on the site of a Roman auxiliary fort of 79 AD, overlooking the lowest fording point of the river. The Roman fortress-city of Deva had been refortified around 907AD by the Mercian king Aethelfleda to withstand the Danes after their expulsion from Ireland but it's unclear if the Normans reused the Saxon fort. What is known is that William destroyed half the Saxon houses in Chester to accommodate his new works.

The Highland is a Scottish breed of rustic cattle. It originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland and has long horns and a long shaggy coat. It is a hardy breed, bred to withstand the intemperate conditions in the region.

Highland cattle descend from the Hamitic Longhorn, which were brought to Britain by Neolithic farmers in the second millennium BC, as the cattle migrated northwards through Africa and Europe. Highland cattle were historically of great importance to the economy, with the cattle being raised for meat primarily and sold in England.

The 1885 herd book describes two distinct types of Highland cattle. One was the West Highland, or Kyloe, originating and living mostly in the Outer Hebrides, which had harsher conditions. These cattle tended to be smaller, to have black coats and, due to their more rugged environment, to have long hair. These cattle were named due to the practice of relocating them. The kyles are narrow straits of water, and the cattle were driven across them to get to market.

The other type was the mainland; these tended to be larger because their pastures provided richer nutrients. They came in a range of colours, most frequently dun or red. These types have now been crossbred so that there is no distinct difference.

Since the early 20th century, breeding stock has been exported to many parts of the world, especially Australia and North America.

It is estimated that there are now around 15,000 Highland cattle in the United Kingdom.

Das Charles Fort ist eine sternförmige Festung, die in der Bucht von Kinsale liegt. Die sternförmige Anordnung wurde speziell dafür entworfen Kanonenangriffen standzuhalten. Ab 1670 errichteten die Engländer die Festung auf Überresten des früheren Rincurran Castle um sich vor Angriffen vom Meer aus zu schützen. Die Festung diente mehrere hundert Jahre lang bis 1922 als Kaserne für mehrere tausend britische Soldaten.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Charles Fort is a star-shaped fortress located in Kinsale Harbour. The star-shaped formation was specially designed to withstand cannon attacks. From 1670 onwards, the English built the fort on the remains of the former Rincurran Castle to protect against attacks from the sea. The fortress was used as barracks for several thousand British soldiers for several hundred years until 1922

„The bright red poppy blossoms try to withstand the stormy times - not everyone is successful…“

„Die leuchtend roten Mohnblüten versuchen den stürmischen Zeiten standzuhalten - nicht alle sind dabei erfolgreich …“

My personal challenge for 2022 - I'll try - and do my very best...

Meine persönliche Herausforderung für 2022 - ich werd's versuchen - und mein Bestes geben…

At least before the storms of the last week did an effective job of leveling not only many trees of every shape, size and variety, but much of the vegetation of a lesser sort as well. Fall being the time of the asters, here fronting a few goldenrod and a stand of young aspen, they are certainly hardy enough to withstand the elements and rebound with a few nice days...those days hopefully to be seen before the first snowfall, a not unusual occurrence in September.

[Better large as always; I was thinking this would make a pleasant wallpaper in a nicely lit breakfast nook...}

Passeggiavo nel Parco di Nervi , pochi giorni dopo la terribile tempesta che ha colpito la Liguria il 29 Ottobre, distruggendo anche tratti di Passeggiata, e guardavo stupita e ammirata questa piccola rosa, contro un cielo grigio.

' Se una piccola rosa ha resistito a venti di 180 km/h, pensavo, anche noi possiamo resistere agli urti e difficoltà della vita....'

I was walking in the Park of Nervi, after the terrible storm of the 29th October, that destroyed part of the Promrnade.

' If a little rose could withstand so strong winds and rain, I thought, se can resist to all difficulties and shocks of life....

Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, Chubu Region, Japan

Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.

Source: www.japan-guide.com/e/e5950.html

Here's a link to a documentary on Shirakawa-go, if you're interested in learning more:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6X3n_Tv0ts

A view of the old Podil. Kyiv.

The Highland is a Scottish breed of rustic cattle. It originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland and has long horns and a long shaggy coat. It is a hardy breed, bred to withstand the intemperate conditions in the region.

Highland cattle descend from the Hamitic Longhorn, which were brought to Britain by Neolithic farmers in the second millennium BC, as the cattle migrated northwards through Africa and Europe. Highland cattle were historically of great importance to the economy, with the cattle being raised for meat primarily and sold in England.

The 1885 herd book describes two distinct types of Highland cattle. One was the West Highland, or Kyloe, originating and living mostly in the Outer Hebrides, which had harsher conditions. These cattle tended to be smaller, to have black coats and, due to their more rugged environment, to have long hair. These cattle were named due to the practice of relocating them. The kyles are narrow straits of water, and the cattle were driven across them to get to market.

The other type was the mainland; these tended to be larger because their pastures provided richer nutrients. They came in a range of colours, most frequently dun or red.[6] These types have now been crossbred so that there is no distinct difference.

Since the early 20th century, breeding stock has been exported to many parts of the world, especially Australia and North America.

It is estimated that there are now around 15,000 Highland cattle in the United Kingdom.

The Highland is a Scottish breed of rustic cattle.

It originated in the Scottish Highlands and the

Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland and has long

horns and a long shaggy coat. It is a hardy breed,

bred to withstand the intemperate conditions in

the region.

Highland cattle descend from the Hamitic

Longhorn, which were brought to Britain

by Neolithic farmers in the second millennium

BC, as the cattle migrated northwards through

Africa and Europe. Highland cattle were

historically of great importance to the economy,

with the cattle being raised for meat primarily

and sold in England.

The 1885 herd book describes two distinct types

of Highland cattle. One was the West Highland,

or Kyloe, originating and living mostly in

the Outer Hebrides, which had harsher

conditions. These cattle tended to be smaller, to

have black coats and, due to their more rugged

environment, to have long hair. These cattle

were named due to the practice of relocating

them. The kyles are narrow straits of water, and

the cattle were driven across them to get to

market.

The other type was the mainland; these tended

to be larger because their pastures provided

richer nutrients. They came in a range of colours,

most frequently dun or red. These types have

now been crossbred so that there is no distinct

difference.

Since the early 20th century, breeding stock has

been exported to many parts of the world,

especially Australia and North America.

It is estimated that there are now around 15,000

Highland cattle in the United Kingdom.

Ehrenbreitstein, the hill on which the eponymous fortress is now located, was first settled in the 4th millennium BC, and fortifications were built in the 10th/9th century BC. In the 3rd to 5th centuries AD a Roman fortification was sited there. More settlement followed in the 8th/9th centuries under the Carolingian dynasty.

In about 1000 a noble called Ehrenbert (or Erembert) erected a castle on the hill. Its initial name "Burg Ehrenbertstein" later became Burg Ehrenbreitstein.

The castle was first mentioned in an extant written document in 1139, as a property of the Archbishop of Trier. Archbishop Hillin expanded it in 1152–1169. A supporting castle (Burg Helferstein) was built on the hill known as Helfenstein to the south. It was further extended by Archbishop Henry of Fénétrange in 1286, and Archbishop John II of Baden in 1481.

During the 16th century, work began to turn the castle into a fortress that could withstand the new gunpowder weapons. One of the first cannon was the 9 ton Greif cannon. At the foot of the hill, protected by the fortress, Philipp Christoph von Sötern had the palace Phillipsburg constructed in 1625–1629. The fortress was further improved by his successors Karl Kaspar von der Leyen and Johann Hugo von Orsbeck. In 1632, it was occupied by the French and in 1637 by Imperial troops during the Thirty Years' War.

Ehrenbreitstein guarded the most valuable relic of the Trier See, the Holy Tunic, from 1657 to 1794. Successive Archbishops used the fortress' strategic importance to barter between contending powers; thus in 1672 at the outset of war between France and Germany the Archbishop refused requests both from the envoys of Louis XIV and from Brandenburg's Ambassador, Christoph Caspar von Blumenthal, to permit the passage of troops across the Rhine.

In 1688, the fortress successfully withstood a siege by King Louis XIV of France. Around 1730, Balthasar Neumann created the Schönborn-Werke, a third ring of fortifications. France did succeed in taking it in 1759, but only held it for three years.

However, in 1794, French revolutionary troops conquered Koblenz; in the following years they besieged Ehrenbreitstein three times without success. But a one-year siege, starting in 1798 during the War of the Second Coalition, brought starvation to the defenders of Ehrenbreitstein who finally handed over the fortress to French troops in 1799. By the Treaty of Lunéville, the French were eventually forced to withdraw from the right bank of the Rhine. Hence, they blew up Ehrenbreitstein in 1801 to prevent the enemy from taking hold of a fully functional fortress just a few meters away from French territory on the left bank of the Rhine. (Wikipedia) Koblens, Germany.

Peterchurch

According to legend, the church is dedicated to St Peter because the saint himself passed through the area on his way to Rome, rather an odd place for him to be, but then it’s just a legend. The church was founded in the 8th century, possibly by the powerful King Offa of Mercia. The church you see it today is of Norman origin, restored in the Victorian period.

The fibreglass spire was added in 1972, replacing a 14th century spire which had become unsafe. It sits on top of a 13th century tower with walls seven feet thick. It was built so thick to withstand possible attacks by Welsh raiders, this now peaceful area was for centuries the scene of violent conflict between the Welsh and English. It is seemingly only one of two churches in England with a fibreglass spire, I believe the other to be St Paul's Church, Smethwick.

It is not the easiest of places to photograph, the spire is so tall some photos I’ve seen of it miss the top off, thankfully I had the Sigma 10-20mm lens with me and managed to get everything in the shot.

Thank you for your visit and your comments, they are greatly appreciated.

Shirakawa-go is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter.

The crew aboard the Loki yacht probably have things on their minds other than spotting trains as they tack up the Firth of Tay towards the Tay Bridge. Meantime, climbing towards the main spans, is a Scotrail class 170 Turbostar working the 2.07pm Arbroath - Edinburgh (1L56) service.

The structure you can see is in fact the second Tay Bridge to be built linking the city of Dundee on the north shore with the small town of Wormit (Fife) on the south shore, some 2.785 miles (4.43km) distant.

The remains of the first bridge can be seen just in front of the current bridge - and serve as a gruesome reminder of one of the worst railway disasters in living memory when the structure spectacularly failed during high winter gales.

It happened at 7.15pm on the 28th December 1879 as a train with six carriages was passing over it - the whole train plunged into the icy waters of the Tay and all seventy-five passengers and crew aboard lost their lives. At the subsequent inquiry it was determined that the bridge, a single track structure, wasn't sufficiently well designed to withstand the typical high winds of the area. Building commenced on this current bridge, a more substantial double track structure, in 1883 and it was opened in 1887.

One final gruesome fact - the locomotive involved in the accident was salvaged from the bottom of the river, repaired, and eventually put back into service. I suspect in those days very few people would have been aware that it just might have been at the head of their train, and possibly even taking them over the Tay via the new bridge.

Tay Bridge info courtesy of Wikipedia.

2.38pm, 15th June 2019

The stone houses of Thembang village found in and around Tawang in India's Arunachal Pradesh trace their ancestry to 11th century AD or earlier. The houses, some of which are still inhabited by members of the ancient Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, are made of stones quarried from the Himalayas and are designed to withstand rugged Himalayan environment..

Contest 59: Catch the Wind!

www.flickr.com/groups/1752359@N21/discuss/721576818006608...

Made Using PANO-Vision

Fate whispers to the warrior,

“You cannot withstand the storm.”

The warrior whispers back,

“I am the storm.”

from Pinterest

The adult humpback whale is generally 14–15 m (46–49 ft) long, though individuals up to 16–17 m (52–56 ft) long have been recorded. Females are usually 1–1.5 m (3 ft 3 in – 4 ft 11 in) longer than males.

The species can reach body masses of 40 metric tons (44 short tons). Calves are born at around 4.3 m (14 ft) long with a mass of 680 kg (1,500 lb)] The species has a bulky body with a thin rostrum and proportionally long flippers, each around one-third of its body length.[14][15] It has a short dorsal fin that varies from nearly nonexistent to somewhat long and curved.

Like other rorquals, the humpback has grooves between the tip of the lower jaw and the navel. The grooves are relatively few in number in this species, ranging from 14 to 35. The upper jaw is lined with baleen plates, which number 540–800 in total and are black in color.

The dorsal or upper side of the animal is generally black; the ventral or underside has various levels of black and white coloration. Whales in the southern hemisphere tend to have more white pigmentation. The flippers can vary from all-white to white only on the undersurface. Some individuals may be all white, notably Migaloo who is a true albino. The varying color patterns and scars on the tail flukes distinguish individual animals.[

The end of the genital slit of the female is marked by a round feature, known as the hemispherical lobe, which visually distinguishes males and females.

Unique among large whales, humpbacks have bumps or tubercles on the head and front edge of the flippers; the tail fluke has a jagged trailing edge. The tubercles on the head are 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) thick at the base and protrude up to 6.5 cm (2.6 in).

They are mostly hollow in the center, often containing at least one fragile hair that erupts 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) from the skin and is 0.1 mm (0.0039 in) thick. The tubercles develop early in gestation and may have a sensory function, as they are rich in nerves. Sensory nerve cells in the skin are adapted to withstand the high water pressure of diving.

In one study, a humpback whale brain measured 22.4 cm (8.8 in) long and 18 cm (7.1 in) wide at the tips of the temporal lobes, and weighed around 4.6 kg (10 lb). The humpback's brain has a complexity similar to that of the brains of smaller whales and dolphins.

The structure of the eye indicates that eyesight is relatively poor, being only able to see silhouettes over long distances and finer details relatively close. Computer models of the middle ear suggest that the humpback can hear at frequencies between 15 Hz and 3 kHz "when stimulated at the tympanic membrane", and between 200 Hz and 9 kHz "if stimulated at the thinner region of the tympanic bone adjacent to the tympanic membrane". These ranges are consistent with their vocalization ranges.

As in all cetaceans, the respiratory tract of the humpback whale is connected to the blowholes and not to the mouth, although the species appears to be able to unlock the epiglottis and larynx and move them towards the oral cavity, allowing humpbacks to blow bubbles from their mouths. The vocal folds of the humpback are more horizontally positioned than those of land mammals which allows them to produce underwater calls. These calls are amplified by a laryngeal sac.

This image was taken at Isafjordur, Iceland. This whale is named "Birch" on the "HappyWhale" website and was seen initially in June 2021 . It has also been photographed near Reykjavik too.

A solitary tree withstands the big spring runoff in Lisbon Falls, ME.

The Soviet deployment of the SS-20 missile from 1975 caused major concern in the NATO alliance. NATO agreed to deploy in Europe from 1983 up to 464 USAF BGM-109G Ground Launched Cruise Missiles or GLCMs.

The UK's share of this total was 160 missiles, 96 based at Greenham Common with four spares, and 64 at RAF Molesworth. When in June 1980 it was announced that RAF Greenham Common was to become the first site for cruise missiles, there was an outcry from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. A massive new construction was undertaken as the GLCM Alert and Maintenance Area (GAMA) site was built in the southwest corner of the base. GAMA was a maximum security QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) area with 6 large above ground shelters in which fully operational cruise missiles were stored.

These shelters were specially designed and constructed to protect the GLCMs and crews against nuclear and conventional strikes. They were about 10 m high, with a reinforced 2 m thick concrete ceiling. Below was a massive titanium plate, 3 m of sand and a reinforced concrete plate. The shelters were completely covered with tons of clay. Each shelter was equipped with three hydraulic nuclear blast proof doors at both ends to assure a quick entry or exit. They were designed to withstand the blast of an air-bursting nuclear explosion above the base or a direct hit from a 2,500 lb (1,100 kg) conventional bomb.

Each shelter contained 2 LCC Launch Control Centres and 4 TEL transporter erector launchers. Units were mobile and, once deployed, would travel from the base in convoys to secret preset dispersal sites. This would happen within minutes of the alert being given; movement was via local roads through the surrounding villages.

The first squadron of the 501st Tactical Missile Wing received its weapons in November 1983; they were flown onto the base by Lockheed C-5 Galaxies.

The United States and the Soviet Union signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 1987, which led to the removal of all nuclear missiles from the base. The last GLCMs at RAF Greenham Common were removed in March 1991, and the 501st TMW inactivated on 4 June 1991.

Two stacked images of the Moon in different phases blended together in Photoshop to give a 3 D effect.

Each night a stack of 20 frames was taken. Stacking seems to yield a less noisy "deeper" colour palette that withstands boosting a lot better if that makes sense.

Fort Ino

It was built in 1909-1916 to protect against a possible attack by the German Empire fleet.

Fort Nikolaevsky was designed taking into account the most modern achievements of Russian engineering thought. A significant difference in the project of Fort Ino was the presence of large-caliber artillery (in fact, it was built for this purpose). Moreover, 305 mm caliber guns were used in coastal fortifications for the first time.

The fort had two coastal batteries with four 152 mm Canet guns (on the flanks), a battery with eight 254 mm guns and a battery with eight 279 mm howitzers, which fired 15-18 km. Around the guns there was an entire underground town, covered with a two-meter layer of concrete, designed to withstand large-caliber shells from naval artillery. There were shell magazines, barracks, a railway for delivering shells to the guns, command and observation posts. The positions were covered by a 3-meter concrete parapet. The fort was surrounded by a rifle rampart with concrete strongpoints and was adapted for all-round defense.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Ino

Equisetum hyemale (commonly known as rough horsetail, scouring rush, scouringrush horsetail and, in South Africa, as snake grass) is a perennial herbaceous vascular plant in the horsetail family Equisetaceae. It is a native plant throughout the Holarctic Kingdom, found in North America, Europe, and northern Asia. In nature Equisetum hyemale grows in mesic (reliably moist) habitats, often in sandy or gravelly areas. It grows from between sea level to 2,530 metres in elevation. It is primarily found in wetlands, and in riparian zones of rivers and streams where it can withstand seasonal flooding. It is also found around springs and seeps, and can indicate their presence when not flowing. Other habitats include moist forest and woodland openings, lake and pond shores, ditches, and marshes and swamps. Equisetum hyemale has vertical jointed reed-like stalks of medium to dark green. The hollow stems are up to 0.91 m in height. The stems are seldom branched. The stems themselves have conspicuous ridges, which are impregnated with silica. This makes the ridges feel rough and harsh. The tiny leaves are joined together around the stem, forming a narrow black-green band or sheath at each joint. Like other ferns and their relatives, the plant reproduces by spores and does not produce flowers or seeds. The stems are generally deciduous in cold climates, and remain during winter in warmer climates. It forms dense spreading colonies, in full to partial sun. Some Plateau Indian tribes boiled the stalks to produce a drink used as a diuretic and to treat venereal disease. It is used as a homeopathic remedy. Equisetum hyemale cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use in contained garden beds and planters, and in pots. It is a popular "icon plant" in contemporary Modernist and Asian style garden design. Its tight verticality fits into narrow planting spaces between walkways and walls, and on small balconies. 18215

small plants growing above 5.000m on volcanic soil, withstanding the harsh climate up here

panoramic photo from stitching two frames.

It took 50 years to build and is the largest church in Hungary. Although it is not royal, its enormous size has given it this designation.

Construction began in 1851 with the first architect and designer being Joseph Hill who gave a classical style and who died during construction. Then the construction was taken over by Michel Ybl who followed a neo-renaissance style.

The collapse of the dome in 1868 significantly delayed the project, as did the death of the second architect. The interior of the church and the completion of the project in 1905 were finally done by a third architect, Joseph Kraus.

Kraus invited the most famous Hungarian sculptors to decorate the interior of the church. For the interior decoration, 50 types of marble were used to decorate chapels and many statues such as the patron of the church who was the first Christian king of Hungary.

Special permission from the Pope was requested and granted so that they could place the statue in the sanctuary. The right hand of the saint is also preserved in the chapel of the church. During the 2nd world war the precious documents and relics of great value were kept in the temple because they thought it would withstand a possible bombing.

//////////////////////////////////

Χρειάστηκαν 50 χρόνια για να κατασκευαστεί και είναι η μεγαλύτερη εκκλησία της Ουγγαρίας. Αν και δεν είναι βασιλικού ρυθμού το τεράστιο μέγεθος της της έχει δώσει αυτό το χαρακτηρισμό.

Η κατασκευή ξεκίνησε το 1851 με τον πρώτο αρχιτέκτονα και σχεδιαστή να είναι ο Joseph Hill οποίος έδωσε ένα κλασσικό στυλ και ο οποίος πέθανε κατά τη διάρκεια της ανέγερσης. Στη συνέχεια την κατασκευή ανέλαβε ο Michel Ybl ο οποίος ακολούθησε ένα νέο-αναγεννησιακό στυλ.

Η κατάρρευση του θόλου το 1868 καθυστέρησε σημαντικά το έργο όπως και ο θάνατος και του δεύτερου αρχιτέκτονα. Το εσωτερικό της εκκλησίας και η αποπεράτωση του έργου το 1905 έγιναν τελικά από έναν τρίτο αρχιτέκτονα, τον Joseph Kraus.

O Kraus κάλεσε τους πιο διάσημους γλύπτες της Ουγγαρίας για να διακοσμήσουν το εσωτερικό της εκκλησίας. Για την διακόσμηση του εσωτερικού χρησιμοποιήθηκαν 50 είδη μαρμάρου που διακοσμούν παρεκκλήσια και πολλά αγάλματα όπως ο προστάτης της εκκλησίας ο οποίος ήταν ο πρώτος Χριστιανός βασιλιάς της Ουγγαρίας.

Ειδική άδεια από τον Πάπα ζητήθηκε και δόθηκε για να μπορέσουν να τοποθετήσουν το άγαλμα στο ιερό. Στο παρεκκλήσι του ναού υπάρχει επίσης διατηρημένο το δεξί χέρι του αγίου. Κατά τη διάρκεια του 2ου Παγκοσμίου πολέμου τα πολύτιμα έγγραφα και κειμήλια μεγάλης αξίας φυλάχτηκαν στο ναό γιατί θεωρούσαν ότι θα αντέξει ένα πιθανό βομβαρδισμό.

En el año 1515 se comenzó la construcción de la muralla de Pamplona y su ciudadela, que se edificó pensada para soportar ataques de artillería. Fue como consecuencia de la incorporación del reino de Navarra a la Corona de Castilla, durante el siglo XVI y debido a la clara situación estratégica de Pamplona. Constituyéndose la ciudad en un puesto avanzado de la corona española ante los posibles ataques franceses.

La ciudad fundada por Pompeyo en el 74 a.C. ha sido considerada desde su origen, por su situación estratégica, una Ciudad-Fortaleza.

La muralla consta de cinco kilómetros de recorrido, es uno los complejos bélicos más interesantes y mejor conservados de España, lo que le valió ser declarado Monumento Nacional.

Su ocaso se produjo a finales del siglo XIX, debido a su ineficacia frente los avances de la artillería y al gran crecimiento demográfico, que exigía una ampliación de la trama urbana. Pamplona celebró como un gran acontecimiento el derribo de parte de sus murallas, de 1915 a 1921.Esta evolución histórica es la pugna que siempre ha existido, en todas las ciudades, por adecuar su estructura urbanística a las necesidades del crecimiento de la ciudad.

Desde 2005 el Ayuntamiento ha promovido un importante plan de actuación para la recuperación de todo el recinto fortificado y la mejora de su entorno. La muralla de Pamplona, en su día barrera por su función defensiva, es en la actualidad un lugar de esparcimiento y elemento de integración del patrimonio cultural y medioambiental de Pamplona.

La Ciudadela y el parque que la rodea, la Vuelta del Castillo, es una de las zonas más interesantes de la ciudad, convirtiéndose en un parque amurallado dentro de la ciudad.

www.rutasconhistoria.es/loc/muralla--de-pamplona

In the year 1515 the construction of the wall of Pamplona and its citadel began, which was built to withstand artillery attacks. It was as a consequence of the incorporation of the kingdom of Navarre to the Crown of Castile, during the 16th century and due to the clear strategic situation of Pamplona. The city became an outpost of the Spanish crown in the face of possible French attacks.

The city founded by Pompey in 74 B.C. has been considered since its origin, due to its strategic location, a fortress city.

The wall is five kilometers long and is one of the most interesting and best preserved war complexes in Spain, which earned it the title of National Monument.

Its decline occurred in the late nineteenth century, due to its ineffectiveness against the advances of artillery and the large population growth, which required an expansion of the urban fabric. Pamplona celebrated as a great event the demolition of part of its walls, from 1915 to 1921. This historical evolution is the struggle that has always existed in all cities to adapt their urban structure to the needs of the growth of the city.

Since 2005, the City Council has promoted an important action plan for the recovery of the entire fortified enclosure and the improvement of its surroundings. The wall of Pamplona, once a barrier for its defensive function, is now a place of recreation and an element of integration of the cultural and environmental heritage of Pamplona.

The Citadel and the park that surrounds it, the Vuelta del Castillo, is one of the most interesting areas of the city, becoming a walled park within the city.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

El otoño es un hecho y el invierno se acerca. Mientras el verano muere entre colores de oro de los hayedos, solo los pinares y abetos soportarán el asedio del Invierno. Autumn is a fact and winter approaches. As summer dies in golden colors of beech, pine and fir only withstand the siege of the Winter. Puedes ver más fotos en (you can see more photos) nicolasbeltranlopez.es/wp/galeria/otono-2/